There was so much speculation about this game from the Georgia side about how would the Bulldogs respond after winning the 2021 National Championship. All that was put to rest last Saturday as #3 Georgia hosted #11 Oregon in Atlanta, GA at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Bulldogs Off and Running
There was no letting up from opening kickoff until the clock hit triple zero. I struggled this offseason knowing that after the Bulldogs beat the Crimson Tide, the Tide was still ranked #1 and the Bulldogs #3. But I know that it is all about recruiting and how many players are lost to graduation and/or the NFL. The Bulldogs lost a lot of players from the Championship team last year. But they retooled, and gained many other 4, 5-star players, and it showed in the win over the Ducks of Oregon.
On the first drive of the game for Oregon, quarterback Bo Nix dropped back for a long pass downfield but only to have safety Malaki Starks intercept him, and the route was on. Most Valuable Player for the 2021 title game, Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett, led his offense down the field on their first drive resulting in a touchdown by receiver Ladd McConkey.
Over the years the Georgia Bulldogs have always had a decent to good defense, and it has stepped up its game under Head Coach Kirby Smart, as we can see from last year. I wasn’t worried about this year’s defense. It was the play of the offense that took me by surprise. Last year the offense managed games well and the defense carried the team. So far this year both the offense and defense came out fast. The offense had complete control of the game as Bennett managed the game like he was Tom Brady.
Bennett only had six incomplete passes throwing 25/31 for 368 yards and three touchdowns, two passing and one rushing. Running back Kenny McIntosh ran all over the field and had 167 total yards, 50 rushing, 117 receiving, and one touchdown.
As a fan, and writer of sports, these are the games I enjoy, when my team has complete control of the game. Last year’s title game was good, but I was nervous all the way until the pick six by Kelee Ringo. I know, game was basically over then.
Offense Feeling Comfortable
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has opened up his playbook and the players are now comfortable with the NFL style offense, and it shows, under the third year offensive coordinator.
With the dominant 49-3 #3 Georgia win over the #11 Oregon Ducks and the #2 Ohio State struggling to beat #5 Notre Dame, both Georgia and Ohio State has flipped positions in all the College Football polls this week.
I understand the season is young, and anything can happen. Some teams will get better and some will fall off. But under Smart, this Georgia football team is a powerhouse that will compete year after year against the likes of Ohio State and Alabama’s of the college football world
Next Game Up
#2 Georgia is back home between the edges at Sanford Stadium before their home fans to host Samford. Game time set for 4pm EST, SEC Network
